Space to reflect: combinatory methods for developing student interaction design projects in public spaces

This paper provides an overview of a project-based graduate course on the Design of Interactive Media for Public Spaces, which is part of a Masters programme of study in Interactive Media. Project teams make use of a variety of design methods over the 14-week course: students work through a complete design life-cycle using a combination of methods from observational studies through to concept design, prototyping, testing and evaluation. This paper outlines the structure of the course and illustrates two examples of projects completed by student teams. The paper shows how it is possible in a short time-frame to have students undertake a real-world-based design project, bringing it to the stage of preliminary prototype design. It emphasizes the importance of using a combination of methods, and of supporting students' reflections on their design practice and experiences during the project.